WR Mike Evans touches history in week five

At Mercedes-Benz Stadium in week five, Buccaneers wide receiver Mike Evans made history between the hashtags. On Thursday night, he managed five receptions for 62 yards and two touchdowns against a division opponent, reaching the mark of 100 total touchdowns in his career. His 100 total touchdowns make him the 26th player in NFL history to achieve this feat. Evans tied with Frank Gore and Hall of Famers Franco Harris and Curtis Martin (100) for 23rd in total touchdowns in league history. He has now scored 99 touchdowns in his career, tying him with Pro Football Hall of Famer Don Hutson for the 11th most touchdowns in NFL history. With his two receiving touchdowns, Evans surpassed Antonio Gates for the seventh-most games with multiple receiving touchdowns in NFL history.

Evans’ first touchdown came in the opening frame. The Falcons scored on their first possession and Tampa Bay responded with one of their own. Evans capped the nine-play, 63-yard drive with a two-yard touchdown pass. From first-and-goal, running back Bucky Irving went into motion, drawing defenders to the left side of the formation. Baker Mayfield dropped back and found Evans wide open in the back of the end zone slanting in the opposite direction, tying the score at seven.

His second goal of the day came on second-and-11 in the second quarter. Trailing by four, the Falcons’ safety dropped and Evans found himself in an advantageous one-on-one duel. Mayfield delivered a dart to Evans on a corner route for a 23-yard touchdown. That 23-yard play is now enshrined in Bucs lore and marks Evans’ 100th career touchdown.

“It’s kind of a shock that they’re leaving him one-on-one with the security they have,” Mayfield said. “But yes, he did a good job and won with leverage that was not ideal for this route. And Mike being Mike, he had a great night.”

Evans, a high-point specialist, is the only receiver in NFL history with more than 1,000 receiving yards in each of his first 10 seasons, surpassing Hall of Famer Randy Moss. He is the Bucs’ franchise receiving leader, franchise receiving yards leader and franchise receiving touchdown leader. Evans continues to achieve consistency and longevity in the NFL while setting the tone on offense. The back-shoulder catcher and future Hall of Famer is physical at the top of routes and a big target in the red zone. He is comfortable scoring from anywhere on the field and is adept at gaining yards after the catch and making contested grabs look effortless with excellent body control. With his rare leaping ability, it’s routine to watch Evans work over corners and make highlight reel grabs along the sideline. Evans sparked the Bucs’ offense against the Falcons and provided momentum in the first half.